Name the chick competition

Competition theme

This year's competition theme is ‘What happens on land, impacts our oceans’.

Clean water is important to all living things. Since water flows from streams and rivers to the ocean, what you do on land impacts our oceans and the animals in them, such as the Royal albatross.

This theme aims to strengthen our connection to albatrosses and seabirds, no matter where we are in the world. Our lifestyle choices impact these important and protected species and their habitats.

How entrants made submissions

Name suggestions had to be submitted with a photo through our website. The photo had to show the person taking a sustainable action for the health and wellbeing of our oceans.

Name inspirations

We worked with Te Poāri a Pukekura to produce a list of the top 10 names for public vote. The vote inviting the public to choose their favourite name closed 26 September at 5 pm (NZST).

Name meanings and inspirations

The ten names selected to be voted on for the 2024 chick are in Te Reo Māori. Below you can see each of the names that were chosen for voting, their meaning and what inspired each entrant to submit them.

Manaia

The Manaia is a guardian of the sky, sea and land and is traditionally believed to be a messenger between the spiritual and physical world.

Māwai

Meaning clean or clear water, this is often used to describe clear flowing rivers or streams. Clean water is essential for our nature to thrive.

Kiwa

The divine protector and guardian of the ocean and the name is fitting for our albatross as it's renowned for travelling great distances over vast stretches of water.

Mōrehu

Meaning survivor or remnant. Our seabird species are under threat from human activities. Fishing, plastics pollution to name two. These birds need our help to survive in a changing world.

Whetū

Meaning star or celestial body. The chick is a star of the Royal Cam, and to see these birds flying is breathtaking, just like looking at the stars at night.

Taitoa

The albatross chick has shown himself to be brave and bold and somewhat feisty! He hasn't liked being weighed much and clacks, and he has wandered from his nest quite early on. I like his courageous nature and hope it helps him when he fledges to survive in the wild.

Marihi

These birds are a treasure. Marihi means precious, prized or valuable. The theme of this name carries through to protection of our shores and water we must all actively nurture our precious environment for future generations.

Harikoa

It means joy or happiness in Te Reo Māori. This chick always looks happy when I check the camera they definitely bring joy to people all around the world.

Kaewa

Meaning wanderer or adventurer, which the chick certainly seems to be. He has left his natal nest to be on the edge of the Heads, where he has an expansive view. He will soon spread his wings and fly over the seas. A wanderer he is.

Ngāwari

Meaning gentle in Maori, it is to show not only the chick’s nature but also that we must be gentle with them and gentle with environment. They are also indicators of our planet’s health, and our oceans. It is difficult life for them due to human activities like pollution and overfishing.

The winners

Congratulations to our winner: Tinaka McLeod won $300 worth of sustainable/environmentally friendly household products and a virtual tour of the headland with DOC Ranger Sharyn Broni.

Congratulations to our second-place winner: Lindsay Jackson won $100 worth of sustainable/environmentally friendly household products. 

Congratulations to our spot prize winner: Lee Taiapa won a copy of ‘Wildlife of Aotearoa’ book, signed by author Gavin Bishop. 

Thanks to the Royal Albatross Centre for supporting some of the competition prizes.